NW Argentina
Northwest Argentina is a fabulous place to visit. The road from San Salvador de Jujuy to La Quiaca at the border with Bolivia travels through a painted desert landscape, with lots of interesting geological features. The church and pre-Columbian ruins at Yavi are of historical interest. The Laguna de los Pozuelos national park is a great birdwatching spot.
Here's one indelible memory of my visit to this part of Argentina. It was a very dry year, and the seasonal lakes used by the Andean Flamingos were drying up fast. A teenage girl appeared, galloping across the salt pan on horseback. Most of the flamingos were able to get out of the way, but a few were too weak to fly. She dismounted and started chasing the birds on foot. After a few moments she captured one. She quickly dispatched it by breaking its neck. She built a small fire from the dry brush, and began burning the feathers off. After a few minutes, the Flamingo was ready to be lunch.
Chip Haven